Cape Town – Former Western Cape police commissioner Dr Lennit Max has taken aim at Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, warning him not to interfere in operational matters of the South African Police Service.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola recently authorised that 121 dockets be sent back to the task team after they were previously removed and stored at SAPS headquarters in Pretoria.
Cachalia raised concern over the timing of the decision.
“I have not yet received the report on the task team’s work, and I am concerned that action is being taken before the commission of inquiry has had an opportunity to assess the situation,” Cape Times, quoted him as saying.
Acting Police Minister Criticises Move on Political Killing Dockets
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has condemned SAPS Commissioner Fannie Masemola for advancing 121 political killing dockets before the official police inquiry has begun.
Cachalia said the decision… pic.twitter.com/BeoSYmkUfo
— South African Daily (@southafricandly) August 29, 2025
Former Western Cape commissioner Dr Lennit Max pushed back sharply, warning Cachalia not to interfere.
“The national commissioner has a constitutional duty to ensure investigations proceed,” Max said.
“If the minister intends to block this, then it is interference.” He added that Masemola’s office was making copies of the dockets to guard against tampering or disappearance.
The controversy stems from claims by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that former minister Senzo Mchunu ordered the disbanding of the task team and the removal of the dockets. Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has denied the allegation, insisting no such instruction was given.
As reported by IOL, the Economic Freedom Fighters also condemned the minister’s stance, describing it as irrational and warning that delays in the investigations would only shield criminals, deny justice to victims, and weaken the role of the police service.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
